Prince William has pledged his support for LGBTI equality in the Commonwealth. Royals attended an event, hosted by Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland, to meet with LGBTI representatives. The Duke of Cambridge and third in line to the throne said he is a supporter for LGBTI rights. Prince WIlliam said he raises LGBTI rights when he is traveling. He also vowed to do more so in the future. 37 of 53 countries in the Commonwealth criminalize homosexuality or gay sex. These derive from laws imposed by them by the British during the colonial era.